[This week we celebrated again our wonderful Reformation heritage (Oct
31/Nov 1). The following is a one-page summary of doctrine largely impacted
by the giants who walked before us. The weekend Grif.Net is always
“serious” and this is worthy reading for our friends from ALL religions –
Catholic, Jewish or other non-reformed faiths – to know what the “fuss” is
all about!
If you are offended by “heavy duty theology”, I’d still encourage its
reading before you hit the garbage icon! – Grif]
What was “Reformed” in the Reformation?
If one wants to know what the Protestant Reformation was all about without
reading huge volumes of historical literature, it is perhaps most clarifying
to look at the theological results. One should specifically note the
rediscovery of five critical biblical doctrines that had been obscured from
public view by the medieval version of what we now know as the Roman
Catholic Church. And just so you know, Rome still either openly opposes or
seriously distorts these doctrines. Using the Latin names given to each,
they are:
Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone): The Reformers were united in their belief
that the Bible alone teaches all that is necessary for salvation and
Christian living (cf. 2 Peter 1:1-4). They held the Word of God to be the
only standard by which men’s consciences may be bound. Rome, on the other
hand, then and now, denies sola Scriptura by elevating Papal decrees and
church tradition to what they say are equal (but are in reality greater)
positions of authority than that of the Bible. Where the meaning of the
Bible differs from the opinion of the Pope or official doctrine (as is very
often the case) the Word of God plays a mute second fiddle.
Sola Gratia (by Grace alone): The reformers understood that salvation is not
a cooperative event carried out by God and man working in partnership. In
salvation, sinners are rescued from God’s wrath by His grace alone (cf.
Titus 3:3-7). God’s grace is His spontaneous and unmerited favor, granted to
the spiritually dead and helpless sinner through the regenerating work of
the Holy Spirit. God mercifully releases those whom He is saving from their
own willful bondage to sin and thus enables them to repent and believe (cf.
John 3:3; 6:44; Rom. 8:6-8; 9:16). Interestingly, this point of doctrine is
disputed today, not only by Rome, but also by many evangelicals.
Sola Fide (through Faith alone): “Justified” is the biblical term that
describes a person as forgiven, not guilty, and perfectly righteous in God’s
sight. According to Scripture, justification is bestowed on the sinner by
grace alone through faith alone, “not as a result of works, so that no one
may boast” (Eph. 2:8-9; cf. Gal 2:16). According to official Roman Catholic
dogma, however, using the word “alone” after the word “faith” will earn you
a pronouncement of anathema (formal damnation). Rome actually forbids you to
believe or repeat what the Bible plainly states! They insist that while
justification begins with faith, it can only be completed through the
sinner’s personal effort. In Roman Catholic theology, one may not say,
“Therefore, having been justified by faith,” or “having now been justified
by His blood” (the exact words of Paul in Romans 5:1 and 5:9, emphasis
added). According to Rome, one may only believe that he is being
justified-by faith plus works.
Solus Christus (because of Christ alone): The reformers understood that the
salvation of God’s people was the work of Jesus Christ alone. His death was
a sufficient and effective sacrifice for sin (cf. Heb. 9:12, 26, 28; 10:12,
14). He is the only mediator between God and men (cf. 1 Timothy 2:5). Only
Christ’s righteousness (not the sinner’s personal righteousness) merits the
believing sinner’s justification (2 Cor. 5:21). Rome, on the other hand,
commands the performance of seven essential works of merit (sacraments) for
justification. Rome also insists that Mary (not Jesus) is the dispenser of
grace. While Rome denies that Christ’s righteousness may be imputed to the
believing sinner, Mary is said to have vast amounts of excess righteousness
which can be imputed to sinners. This form of blasphemy against the Son of
God is bad enough, but it culminates in blasphemy against God the Father-the
idolatry of Mary worship. Mary is praised as the “co-redemptress” and
“co-mediatrix” with Christ. Rome even refers to her in some places as the
savior of mankind, the one who commands God to save whom she will.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone): It is obvious that in Roman
Catholic theology Mary receives equal (if not greater) credit than God for
the salvation of sinners. Rome openly glorifies her. Also, God is robbed of
His glory by making the sinner the one who ultimately performs (via the
sacraments) or suffers (via Purgatory) his own way into heaven. But the
Bible insists, and the reformers recognized, that God saves sinners by
Himself. Therefore He alone should receive all praise and glory. And the God
of the Bible is a jealous God (cf. Ex. 20:5). He will not share His glory
with another (cf. Isaiah 42:8; 48:11).
So what was reformed (or recovered) during the Protestant Reformation? In
the final analysis, it was the gospel of God’s grace. And the “church” that
stole the gospel the first time will gladly do so again if Christians
everywhere do not take seriously the command to “contend earnestly for the
faith which was once for all handed down to the saints” (Jude 3).
Copyright C 2006 Daryl Wingerd. Permission granted for reproduction in exact
form.
~~
Dr Bob Griffin, www.grif.net
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given